Device for displaying 3d content on low frame-rate displays

ABSTRACT

A video conversion device that converts 3D content for viewing on low frame-rate display devices can include a video signal input device for receiving a 3D content, and a video signal output device for sending an output video signal to a display device. The video conversion device can also include processing units that convert 3D content to an output signal adapted for the display device. The processing units can also generate a shuttering signal, which instructs a shuttering device to occlude a user&#39;s view of the output signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the shuttering signal. Additionally, an accessory device that enables a computing system to convert and send 3D content can include a computing system interface device, and a shuttering signal transmitter. The accessory device can also include instructions for converting a 3D video signal for a display device, and for generating a shuttering signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. National Stage Applicationcorresponding to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/031115, filedApr. 4, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/416,708, filed Nov. 23, 2010, entitled “3D VIDEO CONVERTER.” Thepresent application is also a continuation-in-part of: PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/025262, filed Feb. 17, 2011, entitled“BLANKING INTER-FRAME TRANSITIONS OF A 3D SIGNAL;” PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/027175, filed Mar. 4, 2011, entitled“FORMATTING 3D CONTENT FOR LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS;” PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/027933, filed Mar. 10, 2011, entitled“DISPLAYING 3D CONTENT ON LOW FRAME-RATE DISPLAYS;” PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/027981, filed Mar. 10, 2011, entitled“SHUTTERING THE DISPLAY OF INTER-FRAME TRANSITIONS;” and PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2011/032549, filed Apr. 14, 2011, entitled“ADAPTIVE 3-D SHUTTERING DEVICES.” The entire content of each of theforegoing applications is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to systems, methods, and computer programproducts related to conversion and presentation of three-dimensionalvideo content.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Three-dimensional (3D) display technology involves presentingtwo-dimensional images in such a manner that the human brain perceivesthe images as being 3D. The process typically involves presenting “left”image data to the left eye, and “right” image data to the right eye.When received, the brain perceives this data as a 3D image. 3D displaytechnology generally incorporates the use of a filtering or shutteringdevice, such as stereoscopic glasses, which filter displayed image datato the correct eye. Filtering devices can comprise passiveconfigurations, meaning that the filtering device filters image datapassively (e.g., by color code or by polarization), or activeconfigurations, meaning that the filtering device filters image dataactively (e.g., by shuttering or “blanking”).

Traditional display devices, such as computer monitors, television sets,and portable display devices, have been either incapable of producingsuitable image data for 3D viewing, or have produced an inferior 3Dviewing experience using known devices and processes. For instance,viewing 3D content from traditional display devices generally results inblurry images and/or images that have “ghosting” effects, both of whichmay cause dizziness, headache, discomfort, and even nausea in theviewer. This is true even for display devices that incorporate morerecent display technologies, such as Liquid Crystal Display (LCD),Plasma, Light Emitting Diode (LED), Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED),etc.

Recently, 3D display devices designed specifically for displaying 3Dcontent have become increasingly popular. These 3D display devices aregenerally used in connection with active filtering devices (e.g.,shuttering glasses) to produce 3D image quality not previously availablefrom traditional display devices. These 3D display devices, however, arerelatively expensive when compared to traditional display devices.

As a result, consumers who desire to view 3D content face the purchaseof expensive 3D display devices, even when they may already havetraditional display devices available. Accordingly, there a number ofconsiderations to be made regarding the display of 3D content.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Implementations of the present invention provide devices, methods, andcomputer program products configured to enable the viewing ofthree-dimensional (3D) content on a broad range of display devices. Whenemploying one or more implementations of the present invention, a viewercan view 3D content at display devices not specifically designed for 3Dcontent display, while experiencing a level of quality that can match oreven exceed the quality of specialized 3D display devices. Accordingly,implementations of the present invention can eliminate the need topurchase a 3D-specific display device by enabling viewers to view 3Dcontent on traditional display devices in a high-quality manner.

For example, an implementation of a video conversion device can includea video signal input interface device adapted to receive a 3D videosignal. The video conversion device can also include one or moreprogrammable processing units. The processing units convert the received3D video signal to the output video signal, which is specificallyadapted for display on the destination display device. The processingunits can also generate a shuttering signal, which instructs astereographic shuttering device to shutter a user's view of the outputvideo signal. Along these lines, the video conversion device can alsoinclude a shuttering signal transmitter device, which is adapted totransmit the generated shuttering signal to the stereographic shutteringdevice. Additionally, the video conversion device can also include avideo signal output interface device adapted to send an output videosignal to a particular destination display device.

Additionally, an implementation of an accessory device can include aninterface device adapted to communicatively interface with a computingsystem, and a shuttering signal transmission device adapted to transmita shuttering signal to a stereographic shuttering device. In addition,the accessory device can include one or more computerized storagedevices that include executable instructions for converting a 3D videosignal to a format adapted for display on a destination display device.The storage device can also include executable instructions forconverting a 3D video signal to a format adapted for display on adestination display device, generating the shuttering signal, andinstructing the shuttering signal transmission device to send theshuttering signal to the stereographic shuttering device. The shutteringsignal can include a shuttering instruction which instructs thestereographic shuttering device to shutter an inter-frame transitionbetween first eye 3D content and second eye 3D content from a user'sview.

In addition to the forgoing, one or more computer storage devices caninclude computer-executable instructions that when executed by one ormore processors of a computer system, cause the computer system toimplement a method for configuring the computer system to convertthree-dimensional (3D) video content for a low frame-rate displaydevice. The method can involve converting an input 3D video signal to anoutput video signal. The output video signal can include an alternatingsequence of one or more first video frames that include a first imagefor viewing by a first eye and one or more second video frames thatinclude a second image for viewing by a second eye. The method can alsoinvolve generating an inter-frame shuttering signal configured toinstruct a shuttering device to concurrently shutter both the first eyeand the second eye during a display of an inter-frame transition. Aninter-frame transition can occur when, after sending the output videosignal to a display device, a portion of the “first eye” video framesand a portion of the “second eye” video frames will be displayedconcurrently at the display device.

This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used asan aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of theinvention will be set forth in the description which follows, and inpart will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantagesof such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of theinstruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. These and other features will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that thefigures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structureor function are generally represented by like reference numerals forillustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a video conversion device,along with schematic representations of internal components of the videoconversion device, in accordance with one or more implementations of theinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an operating environment in which a video conversiondevice may function, in accordance with one or more implementations ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of the shuttering of the display ofthree-dimensional video content in response to a shuttering signal, inaccordance with one or more implementations of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a timing diagram which demonstrates the relativetiming of transmitted output 3D content, a corresponding blankingsignal, and resulting display states in accordance with one or moreimplementations of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic diagram of an accessory device, alongwith schematic representations of internal components of the accessorydevice, in accordance with one or more implementations of the invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates some exemplary operating environments in which anaccessory device can enable the sending converted three-dimensionalcontent to various display devices, in accordance with one or moreimplementations of the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a series of acts in a method inaccordance with an implementation of the present invention forconverting 3D video content for low frame-rate displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present invention provide devices, methods, andcomputer program products configured to enable the viewing ofthree-dimensional (3D) content on a broad range of display devices. Whenemploying one or more implementations of the present invention, a viewercan view 3D content at display devices not specifically designed for 3Dcontent display, while experiencing a level of quality that can match oreven exceed the quality of specialized 3D display devices. Accordingly,implementations of the present invention can eliminate the need topurchase a 3D-specific display device by enabling viewers to view 3Dcontent on traditional display devices in a high-quality manner.

Specialized 3D display devices attempt to provide an enhanced 3D viewingexperience by modifying physical characteristics of the display device,such as by increasing the frame-rate and by decreasing a frame overlapinterval. The frame-rate refers to the number of unique video frames thedisplay device can render in a given amount of time (e.g., one second).Frame overlap interval refers to the period of time that elapses whentransitioning between two frames. During the frame overlap interval, thedisplay device displays at least a portion of two or more video framesconcurrently. Longer frame overlap intervals are perceptible to thehuman eye, and can lead to a degraded viewing experience. For example,longer frame overlap intervals can cause motion blurring or ghosting.These effects are a particular problem when viewing 3D video content.

One or more implementations of the present invention provide for a videoconversion device that converts incoming 3D content to a format adaptedto a particular display device, such as a lower frame-rate displaydevice. For example, the conversion device can generate an output videosignal formatted in a manner understood by a particular destinationdisplay device, which takes into account physical characteristics of thedestination device (e.g., frame-rate, frame overlap). The videoconversion device can also compensate for longer overlap intervalsexhibited by the display device by generating and transmitting ashuttering signal that shutters (or occludes) a user's view of thedisplay device during frame overlap intervals. Thus, the videoconversion device can facilitate viewing of 3D content on a broad rangeof display devices, including display devices that have lowerframe-rates (and longer frame overlap intervals), while overcomingundesirable effects, such as motion blurring and ghosting.

One or more implementations also provide for an accessory device (e.g.,a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device) that can enable a variety ofcomputing systems to send 3D content to lower frame-rate displays. Thus,the accessory device can extend the functionality of existing devices(e.g., general purpose computing systems, gaming systems, tabletcomputers, smart phones, set-top boxes, optical disc players, etc.) toenable the devices to send 3D content to attached or integrated displaydevices (which can have lower frame-rates). Similarly, one or moreimplementations also provide methods for configuring computing systemsto convert/send 3D content to lower frame-rate display devices.

FIG. 1, for example, illustrates a cutout diagram of a video conversiondevice 100, along with schematic representations of internal componentsof the video conversion device 100, in accordance with one or moreimplementations of the invention. While the illustrated housing isrectangular, the housing can take virtually any form. The videoconversion device 100 can convert incoming 3D content (e.g., 3D contentreceived from an optical disc player, a set-top box, a gaming device,the Internet, etc.) to a format adapted for an attached display device.The video conversion device 100 can function as a standalone devicepositioned between one or more media devices and a particulardestination display device. In one or more implementations, however,other devices (e.g., a media device or a display device) can incorporatefunctionality of the video conversion device 100.

The video conversion device 100 can include a video signal inputinterface device 102 (video input port) adapted to receive a 3D videosignal. As indicated, the video input port 102 can include any number ofconstituent input ports or interface devices. For instance, the videoinput port 102 can include one or more digital video input devices, suchas High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input(s) 102 a,DisplayPort input(s) 102 b, Digital Visual Interface (DVI) input(s) 102c, etc. While not shown, the video input port 102 can also include anynumber of analog video inputs, such as composite, component, or coaxialinputs, to name a few. As indicated by the ellipses 102 e, the videoconversion device 100 can include any appropriate type and number ofinput ports, such as a LAN/WAN input 102 d (e.g., RJ-45 or WIFI).

Similarly, FIG. 1 illustrates that the video conversion device 100 caninclude a video signal output interface device 104 (video output port)adapted to send an output video signal to a particular destinationdisplay device. Like the video input port 102, the video output port 104can include any number of appropriate constituent output ports orinterfaces. In the illustrated case, for instance, the video output port104 can include one or more composite outputs 104 a, one or morecomponent outputs 104 b, and/or one or more HDMI outputs 104 c. Thevideo output port 104 can, however, include any other appropriate typeand number of constituent output ports (as indicated by the ellipses 104d). In some implementations, the video input port 102 and the videooutput port 104 can share constituent input/output ports dynamicallyconfigured as an input or an output.

The video conversion device 100 can include any number of otherappropriate external interface devices/ports. For instance, the videoconversion device 100 can include one or more user input device(s) 108.As indicated, the user input device(s) 108 can include any combinationof switches 108 a, buttons 108 b, wireless receivers 108 c (e.g.,Infrared, BLUETOOTH, WIFI), wired receivers 108 d (e.g., USB), or others108 e. The video conversion device 100 can also include one or moretransmitter devices 110 (e.g., a shuttering signal transmitter deviceadapted to transmit a shuttering signal). As shown, the transmitterdevice 110 can comprise an infrared transmitter device 110 a, BLUETOOTHtransmitter device 110 b, WIFI transmitter device 110 c, or anothertransmitter device 110 d. Use of the user input device(s) 108 and thetransmitter device 110 are discussed in more detail herein after.

The video conversion device 100 can also include one or more processingunits 106. For convenience in description, FIG. 1 illustrates a singleprocessing unit 106 that includes a plurality of constituent processingcomponents or modules (106 a, 106 b, 106 c, 106 d, 106 e, 106 f), butthe invention is not so limited. Instead, the video conversion device100 can include any number of processing units, which can each perform asingle function, or a variety of functions. The video conversion device100 can, for example, include one or more programmable processing units,such as Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) or microcontrollers (e.g.,PIC, ATmega, etc.). In one or more implementations, the video conversiondevice 100 can also include one or more dedicated processing units or acombination of software-configurable processing units and dedicatedprocessing units. When multiple processing units are used, anyappropriate communications mechanisms (e.g., on-chip connection, busses,etc.) can couple the processing units together.

As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1, any appropriate communicationschannel(s) (e.g., one or more buses) can communicatively couple theprocessing units 106 with the other components, such as the video inputport 102, the video output port 104, the user input device(s) 108, thetransmitter 110, and any other components. The video input port 102 canreceive 3D content via an input video signal (in either an analog or adigital format), and communicate the received 3D video signal to theprocessing units 106. The processing units 106 can convert the 3D videosignal to an output format adapted to, or suited for, a particulardisplay device (e.g., display device 202, FIG. 2) attached to the videooutput port 104. This conversion can take into account physicalcharacteristics of the display device, and can comprise using acustomized encoding format, frame-rate, frame size, etc. in the outputformat. After conversion, the processing units 106 can send theconverted 3D content to the particular destination display device via anoutput video signal sent through the video output port 104.

To perform the foregoing conversion, the processing units 106 caninclude a plurality of constituent processing units, can implement aplurality of logical modules or components, or can use a combination ofthe two. The processing units 106 can, for instance, include a decoder106 a and an encoder 106 b. The decoder 106 a can receive the 3D videosignal (which may comprise any number of various known 3D formats) anddecode it into one or more internal buffers for conversion to the outputformat. For example, the 3D video signal can comprise one or more videoframes that encode left-perspective image data and right-perspectiveimage data. The decoder 106 a can detect the format used to encode thisdata, and then decode left-perspective data into one buffer and decoderight-perspective data into another buffer. The decoder 106 a can encodestandard (e.g., VESA) content to standard or non-standard formats.

Once at least a portion of the 3D video signal is decoded, the encoder106 b can encode image data from the buffer(s) into the output format.In one or more implementations, the output format can comprise asequence of one or more left-perspective video frame(s) alternating withone or more right-perspective video frames, or vice versa. Theprocessing units 106 can first pass the one or more video framescontaining image data for one eye (e.g., one or more left perspectiveframes) to the video output port 104 via an output video signal. Theprocessing units 106 can subsequently pass one or more video framescontaining image data for the other eye (e.g., one or more rightperspective frames) to the video output port 104 via the output videosignal.

As part of the conversion process, the processing units 106 can employ adigital-to-analog converter (DAC) and/or an analog-to-digital converter(ADC). The encoder 106 a and/or the decoder 106 b can include theseconverters. Alternatively, the converters are one or more separatecomponents (e.g., DAC/ADC 106 c). When the received 3D video signal isdigital (e.g., from an HDMI connection), the processing units 106 canuse the DAC produce an output video signal that is analog (e.g.,component or composite). Such converters can allow for the conversionand display of 3D content on older devices that may have thecapabilities of receiving digital content. The inverse is also true, andthe processing units 106 can convert an analog 3D video signal to anoutput video signal that is digital using the ADC.

The processing units 106 can also include a shuttering signal generatorcomponent 106 d, which can generate a shuttering (or sync) signal toassist with 3D viewing. The video conversion device 100 can transmit thegenerated shuttering signal to one or more shuttering devices (e.g.,stereographic shuttering glasses 204, FIG. 2), using the transmitter110, prior to, or concurrently with, sending the output format to thedestination display device. The shuttering signal can instruct theshuttering device(s) to shutter (or occlude) portions of a user's viewof the output video signal when displayed at the destination displaydevice, to provide the illusion of 3D content display. As discussed inmore detail later, the shuttering signal can include one or moreinter-frame shuttering instructions, which can enhance 3D contentviewing on lower frame-rate devices.

As mentioned, while encoding (and decoding) the processing units 106 canadapt the output video signal for a particular destination displaydevice. This can include any combination of generating customized typesof output video frames (e.g., interlaced or progressive) and/orgenerating customized sizes of output video frames (e.g., 480, 720, or1080 vertical lines). This can also include generating output videoframes at a target frame-rate (e.g., 60 Hz, 120 Hz). When generatingoutput video frames at a target frame-rate, the processing units 106 cansend the frames to the video output port 104 at a rate that would causethe display device to receive a target number of frames per second.

In order to adapt the output format to the destination display device,the processing units 106 can include a detection module or component 106e. The detection module 106 e can receive physical characteristicinformation about the destination display device and provide thisinformation to the other modules or components, such as the decoder 106a and/or the encoder 106 b. The detection module 106 e can receive thephysical characteristic information from a user via the user inputdevice(s) 108, or directly from the display device (e.g., via an HDMIconnection). The physical characteristic information can include anyappropriate information, such as frame size and frame-rate capabilitiesof the display device, an inter-frame overlap interval of the displaydevice, etc.

In one or more implementations, receiving physical characteristicinformation via the user input device(s) 108 can involve receivingspecific physical characteristic information about the particulardestination display device. The user can, for example, use a wirelessremote control to enter or select a make and model of the particulardestination display device. The detection module 106 e can use thisinformation look up the physical characteristics of the particulardestination display device from a local or remote database.Alternatively, the user can use buttons or switches on the videoconversion device 100 to select particular physical characteristics ofthe particular destination display device (e.g., frame rate).

In one or more implementations, receiving physical characteristicinformation via the user input device(s) 108 can also involve inferenceand/or learning techniques. In a configuration mode, for instance, thevideo conversion device 100 can send configuration information fordisplay at the display device in various different formats, while alsosending a corresponding shuttering signal to a shuttering device. Theuser can then provide appropriate feedback about his or her perceptionof the displayed configuration information, as viewed through theshuttering device, via buttons, wireless communication, etc. Based onthe sent configuration information, and the corresponding feedbackreceived, the video conversion device 100 can infer the physicalcharacteristics of the display device.

One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the videoconversion device 100 can include any number of additional physical orsoftware-based components or modules (as indicated by the ellipses 106f), or can contain a fewer number of components or modules. Accordingly,the video conversion device 100 can depart from the illustrated formwithout departing from the scope of this disclosure. As mentioned, otherdevices may incorporate functionality of the video conversion device. Inthese instances, the video conversion device may not include some of theillustrated components. For example, if a media device incorporatesfunctionality of the video conversion device 100, the video input device102 may or may not be included.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operating environment 200 in which the videoconversion device 100 may function in accordance with one or moreimplementations. As illustrated, the environment 200 can include thevideo conversion device 100, one or more shuttering devices 204, and adisplay device 202. The video conversion device 100 can receive a 3Dvideo signal from a media device. The media device can comprise anynumber of media devices capable of sending 3D content to the videoconversion device 100. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates that the mediadevice can comprise a streaming source 206 (e.g., a satellite box, cablebox, the Internet), a gaming device (e.g., XBOX 208, PLAYSTATION 210), aplayer device (e.g., Blu-Ray player 212, DVD player 214) capable ofreading media 216 (e.g., optical media), and the like. As indicatedherein above, the video conversion device 100 can, itself, comprise oneor more media devices.

The video conversion device 100 can communicate with other devices usingany of the hardware components discussed herein above (e.g., the videoinput port 102, the video output port 104, or the transmitter 110). Anappropriate wired (e.g., HDMI, component, composite, coaxial, network)or wireless (BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi) mechanism can couple the video outputport 104 and the display device 202 together. Likewise, an appropriatewired or wireless mechanism can couple the video input port 102 to amedia device. Furthermore, an appropriate wireless mechanism (e.g.,BLUETOOTH, infrared, etc.) can couple the video conversion device 100and the blanking device(s) 204 together.

The display device 202 can comprise any one of a broad range of displaydevices that incorporate a variety of display technologies, both currentand future (e.g., Cathode Ray, Plasma, LCD, LED, OLED). The displaydevice 202 can take any of a number of forms, such as a television set,a computer display (e.g., desktop computer monitor, laptop computerdisplay, tablet computer display), a handheld display (e.g., cellulartelephone, PDA, handheld gaming device, handheld multimedia device), orany other appropriate form. While the display device 202 can have aconfiguration designed specifically to display 3D content, thedestination display device 202 alternatively can comprise a moretraditional display device, such as a lower frame-rate device. One willappreciate in light of the disclosure herein, that the display device202 can include both digital and analog display devices.

The shuttering device(s) 204 can comprise any shuttering deviceconfigured to interoperate with video conversion device 100, and torespond to one or more shuttering instructions received via a shutteringsignal. In one or more implementations, the shuttering device(s) 204comprise stereographic shuttering glasses, with lenses that include oneor more liquid crystal layers. The liquid crystal layers can have theproperty of becoming opaque (or substantially opaque) when voltage isapplied (or, alternatively, when voltage is removed). The liquid crystallayers can otherwise have the property being transparent (orsubstantially transparent) when voltage is removed (or, alternatively,when voltage is applied). The shuttering device(s) 204 can thus apply orremove voltage from the lenses to block the user's view, as instructedby the shuttering signal.

As mentioned herein above, the video conversion device 100 can generateand send a shuttering signal to one or more shuttering devices 204. FIG.3 illustrates is a flow diagram of the shuttering of the display of 3Dvideo content in response to a shuttering signal, according to one ormore implementations. FIG. 3 illustrates three display states 302, 304,and 306. During these display states, the video conversion device 100sends different portions of the output video signal to the particulardestination display device 202. Correspondingly, the video conversiondevice 100 also transmits appropriate shuttering instructions 314, 316,318, to the shuttering device(s) 204 in a shuttering signal.

Referring to display states 302 and 306, the video conversion device 100can provide the illusion that two-dimensional images encoded in theoutput video signal are 3D. In state 302, for example, the videoconversion device 100 can transmit one or more left-perspective videoframes in an output video signal 324 to the display device 202, and canalso transmit a shuttering instruction 314 (occlude right) to theshuttering device(s) 204. Thus, when the display device 202 displays aleft-perspective image 308, a shuttering component 322 can occlude theviewer's right eye view of the display device 202. Similarly, in state306, the video conversion device 100 can transmit one or moreright-perspective video frames in the output signal 324 to the displaydevice 202, and can also transmit a shuttering instruction 318 (occludeleft) to the shuttering device(s) 204. Thus, when the display device 202displays a right-perspective image 312, the shuttering component 320 canocclude the viewer's left eye view of the display device 202.

Alternatively, the video conversion device 100 can reverse the imagesand shuttering instructions of states 302 and 306. In state 302, forexample, the video conversion device 100 can alternatively send aright-perspective image to the display device 202 and can send an“occlude left” instruction to the shuttering device(s) 204. Similarly,in state 306, the video conversion device 100 can send aleft-perspective image to the display device 202 and can send an“occlude right” instruction to the shuttering device(s) 204. One willappreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the illustratedsequence of images and instructions is not limiting.

While display states 302 and 306 provide the illusion of 3D contentdisplay, one or more implementations introduce a third display state304, during which the video conversion device 100 occludes aninter-frame overlap 310. Inter-frame overlap 310 occurs after the videoconversion device 100 has fully transmitted image data for one eye(e.g., left-perspective video frames), and has begun to transmit imagedata for the other eye (e.g., right-perspective video frames). Duringinter-frame overlap, physical limitations of the display device 202, cancause portions of the different frames to “blend,” so that portions ofboth the left and right perspective images are concurrently displayed.The video conversion device 100 can occlude at least a portion of thisoverlap by transmitting a shuttering instruction 316 (occlude both) tothe shuttering device(s) 204, which causes the shuttering device(s) 204to occlude both eyes concurrently.

Inter-frame shuttering, or the occlusion of both eyes during inter-frameoverlap intervals, can enhance the clarity of the perceived 3D image.Inter-frame shuttering can reduce or eliminate the undesirable effectscommon to 3D content display, such as motion blurring and ghosting.Thus, inter-frame shuttering techniques, when synchronously combinedwith the creation of an output video signal adapted to a particulardisplay device, can allow for viewing of 3D content on display devicesthat may have lower frame-rates and/or longer frame overlap intervals.

FIG. 4 illustrates a timing diagram 400 of the transmission of an outputvideo signal to a destination display device 202, and the transmissionof a shuttering signal to shuttering device(s) 204, in accordance withone or more implementations. At a time 402, the video conversion device100 begins transmitting left-perspective video frames(s) 410 to thedestination display device 202. After potentially passing through aninter-frame overlap display state 304 (and sending a correspondingshuttering instruction 316), the destination display device 202 displaysonly the left frame(s) 410 at a time 404. Thus, beginning at (or near)time 404 the video conversion device 100 can instruct the shutteringdevice(s) 204 to occlude the user's right eye with an appropriateshuttering instruction 314 (occlude right).

The video conversion device 100 can cease transmitting the left frame(s)410 at a time 406, and begin transmitting right-perspective videoframe(s) 412. The video conversion device 100 can base the timing of thetransition between the left and right frames on a target frame-rate ofthe output video signal, which is adapted to the destination displaydevice 202. Based on physical characteristic information about thedestination display device 202, the video conversion device 100 candetermine a display state 304 from time 406 to a time 408. During thisperiod, the display device 202 will display an inter-frame overlap (310,FIG. 3) as the display device transitions between displaying the leftframe(s) 410 to displaying the right frames(s) 412. Thus, from time 406to time 408, the video conversion system 100 can send an inter-frameshuttering instruction 316 (occlude both). As discussed, the inter-frameshuttering instruction 316 can shutter at least a portion of theinter-frame overlap (310, FIG. 3) from the user's view.

Next, during display state 306, the destination display device 202 willhave transitioned past the inter-frame overlap 310 and will display onlythe right frame(s) 412. The video conversion device 100 can send anappropriate shuttering instruction 318 (occlude left). Subsequently, thevideo conversion device 100 can send other left frame(s), other rightframe(s), and so on. These frames can include new image data from thereceived 3D video signal, or can include the same data sent previously(i.e., to increase the frame-rate of the output signal).Correspondingly, the video conversion device 100 can send correspondingshuttering instructions (as shown).

One will also appreciate that, while FIG. 4 illustrates a series ofalternating left and right frames (in any order), one or moreimplementations extend to any sequence of video frames. Furthermore, insome instances, the shuttering signal can instruct the shutteringdevice(s) 204 to occlude an entire time period. In other instances,however, the shuttering signal can instruct the shuttering device(s) 204to occlude only a portion of a corresponding time period. The shutteringsignal can also instruct the shuttering device(s) 204 to occlude morethan a corresponding time period, or can include other shutteringinstructions, such as a shuttering instruction that causes theshuttering device(s) 204 to refrain from occluding any portion of theuser's view.

One or more implementations also extend to devices adapted for use inconfiguring a computing system to convert 3D video content for lowframe-rate display devices. FIG. 5A, for example, illustrates a cutoutdiagram of an accessory device 500, along with schematic representationsof internal components of the accessory device 500, in accordance withone or more implementations. While the illustrated accessory device 500is a USB device that would fit in the palm of the hand of a user, theaccessory device 500 can take any number of alternate forms withoutdeparting from the disclosure herein. For example, the accessory device500 may also take the form of an IEEE 1394 (FIREWIRE, I.LINK, LYNX)device, an APPLE Dock device, etc.

The accessory device 500 can include a variety of constituentcomponents. In one or more implementations, the accessory device 500 caninclude an interface device 502 adapted to communicatively interfacewith the associated computing system (e.g., a USB interface, an IEEE1394 interface, an APPLE Dock interface). The accessory device 500 canalso include a shuttering signal transmission device 504 (transmitter).Like the transmitter 110 of the video conversion device 100, thetransmitter 504 can transmit a shuttering signal to stereographicshuttering devices, and can use any appropriate signal type (e.g.,Infrared, BLUETOOTH, WIFI). The associated computing system canprocess/convert 3D video content, generate a shuttering signal, and sendthe generated shuttering signal to one or more shuttering devices viathe transmitter 504 on the accessory device 500.

The associated computing system run computer-executable instructionsreceived as part of, or separate from, the accessory device 500. Forexample, the associated computing system can receive instructions via astorage device provided at the associated computing system (e.g., aCD-ROM, FLASH memory, etc.), via an Internet download, etc.Alternatively, the associated computing system can receive instructionsfrom the accessory device 500. The accessory device 500 can include, forexample, one or more computerized storage devices 506 storingcomputer-executable instructions.

The stored computer-executable instructions can instruct one or moreprocessing units to convert a 3D video signal to a format adapted fordisplay on a particular destination display device. The instructionscan, for instance, instruct one or more processors at the associatedcomputing system to perform the conversion. The instructions can alsoinstruct one or more processing units 508 on the accessory device 500,to perform, or to help perform, the conversion. In this manner, theaccessory device 500 can offload some or all of the computation neededto perform the conversion from the associated computing system.

The stored computer-executable instructions can also cause one or moreprocessing units to generate a shuttering signal. The shuttering signalcan include one or more inter-frame shuttering instructions forshuttering an inter-frame transition between first-eye and second-eyecontent (as discussed in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4). The storedcomputer-executable instructions can instruct processing units at theassociated computing system or on the accessory device 500 to generatethe shuttering signal (in whole or in part). Thus, the accessory device500 can instruct the associated computing system to generate theshuttering signal, or can generate the shuttering signal itself. Thestored computer-executable instructions can also cause the transmitter504 to send the generated shuttering signal to one or more stereographicshuttering devices 204.

As indicated, the accessory device 500 can include one or moreprocessors or processing units 508. Similar to the video conversiondevice 100, these processing units 508 can comprise any number ofprocessing units, which can each perform a single function, or a varietyof functions. The processing units 508 can thus comprise programmableprocessing units (e.g., FPGAs, microcontrollers), dedicated processingunits, or a combination of each. In addition, an appropriatecommunications channel 510 (e.g., one or more buses) can couple eachcomponent of the accessory device 500. Additionally, similar to thevideo conversion device 100, the processing units 508 can implement aseries of processing components, such as decoder(s), encoder(s), ADC,DAC, etc.

FIG. 5B illustrates a few exemplary operating environments in which theaccessory device 500 can enable the sending of 3D content to lowframe-rated display devices. Item 512, for example, illustrates that theaccessory device 500 can enable a general-purpose computing system(e.g., a laptop or desktop computer) to convert/send 3D content to anintegrated display. The accessory device can operate with virtually anyoperating system, such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS, APPLE MAC OS, LINUX, UNIX,etc. In this context, the accessory device 500 can enable the generalpurpose computing system 512 to receive 3D content from any appropriatesource (e.g., solid state media, optical media, the Internet), toconvert the 3D content to an output video signal adapted to the attacheddisplay device, to generate a shuttering signal, and to send the outputvideo signal and the shuttering signal to their respective devices.

The accessory device 500 can also enable 3D content conversion and/ordisplay with other devices as well, such as a gaming device 514 (e.g.,XBOX, PLAYSTATION), a DVD/BLU-RAY player 516, or a tablet computer 518.In each environment, the accessory device 500 can include hardwareinterfaces and/or computer instructions customized to the particulardevice. It is noted that more specialized devices (e.g., DVD/BLU-RAYplayers 516 or tablet computers 518), may have limited processing orconfiguration capabilities. Thus, the inclusion of processing units 508on the accessory device 500 can enable these devices to process/convert3D content.

Implementations of the present invention can also be described in termsof flowcharts comprising one or more acts in a method for accomplishinga particular result. FIG. 6, for instance, a flowchart of a computerizedmethod for converting 3D video content for a for low frame-ratedisplays. The acts of FIG. 6 are described with respect to theschematics, diagrams, devices and components shown in FIGS. 1-5B.

As illustrated, a method can comprise an act 602 of converting an input3D video signal. Act 602 can include converting an input 3D video signalto an output video signal which includes an alternating sequence of oneor more first video frames that include a first image for viewing by afirst eye and one or more second video frames that include a secondimage for viewing by a second eye. For example, the video conversiondevice 100 can receive a 3D video signal and convert the received 3Dcontent to a format adapted for a particular destination display device.Similarly, the accessory device 500 can configure a general or specialpurpose computing system to convert 3D video content. The accessorydevice can, for example, include computer-executable instructions whichcause processors at the computing system, or at the accessory device500, to convert 3D content to an output signal adapted for a particulardisplay device. As disclosed, adapting the output signal can includedetermining an optimal frame rate for the display device, which cancomprise a low frame-rate display device.

The illustrated method can also comprise an act 604 of generating aninter-frame shuttering signal. Act 604 can include generating aninter-frame shuttering signal configured to instruct a shuttering deviceto concurrently shutter both the first eye and the second eye during adisplay of an inter-frame transition. The inter-frame transition cancomprise a period during which at least a portion of the one or morefirst video frames and at least a portion of the one or more secondvideo frames are displayed concurrently. For example, the videoconversion device 100 or the accessory device 500 can generate, or causean associated computing system to generate, a shuttering signal thatincludes a plurality of shuttering instructions. As illustrated in FIGS.3 and 4, the shuttering signal can include one or more inter-frameshuttering instructions (316) which instruct shuttering device(s) 204 toocclude both of a viewer's eyes during an inter-frame transition.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-6 provide a number of components and mechanisms forsending 3D video content to a broad range of display devices. One ormore disclosed implementations allow for viewing of 3D video content ona broad range of display devices, including devices that that may havelower frame-rates and longer frame overlap intervals, or that are nototherwise specifically designed for displaying 3D video content.

The implementations of the present invention can comprise a specialpurpose or general-purpose computing systems. Computing systems may, forexample, comprise handheld devices, appliances, laptop computers,desktop computers, mainframes, distributed computing systems, or evendevices that have not conventionally considered a computing system, suchas DVD players, BLU-RAY Players, gaming systems, and video converters.In this description and in the claims, the term “computing system” isdefined broadly as including any device or system (or combinationthereof) that includes at least one physical and tangible processor, anda physical and tangible memory capable of having thereoncomputer-executable instructions, which the processor may execute.

The memory may take any form and may depend on the nature and form ofthe computing system. A computing system may be distributed over anetwork environment and may include multiple constituent computingsystems. In its most basic configuration, a computing system typicallyincludes at least one processing unit and memory. The memory may bephysical system memory, which may be volatile, non-volatile, or somecombination of the two. The term “memory” may also be used herein torefer to non-volatile mass storage such as physical storage media. Ifthe computing system is distributed, the processing, memory and/orstorage capability may be distributed as well. As used herein, the term“module” or “component” can refer to software objects or routines thatexecute on the computing system. The different components, modules,engines, and services described herein may be implemented as objects orprocesses that execute on the computing system (e.g., as separatethreads).

Implementations of the present invention may comprise or utilize aspecial purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware,such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory, asdiscussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent invention also include physical and other computer-readablemedia for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/ordata structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available mediathat can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computersystem. Computer-readable media that store computer-executableinstructions are physical storage media. Computer-readable media thatcarry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, byway of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the invention cancomprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readablemedia: computer storage media and transmission media.

Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium which can be used to store desired programcode means in the form of computer-executable instructions or datastructures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer.

A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable thetransport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modulesand/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred orprovided over a network or another communications connection (eitherhardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to acomputer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmissionmedium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data linkswhich can be used to carry or desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinationsof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program codemeans in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structurescan be transferred automatically from transmission media to computerstorage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executableinstructions or data structures received over a network or data link canbe buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”),and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to lessvolatile computer storage media at a computer system. Thus, it should beunderstood that computer storage media can be included in computersystem components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmissionmedia.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. The computerexecutable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediateformat instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may bepracticed in network computing environments with many types of computersystem configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers,laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones,PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The invention may also bepracticed in distributed system environments where local and remotecomputer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links,wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless datalinks) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed systemenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A video conversion device adapted to receive a three-dimensional (3D)video signal from a media device in any of a plurality of 3D formats,convert the 3D video signal to an output video signal adapted fordisplay on a low frame-rate destination display device, and to send theoutput video signal to the low frame-rate destination display devicewhile also sending a shuttering signal that instructs a stereographicshuttering device to shutter a user's view of the low frame-ratedestination display device during display of the output video signal,the video conversion device comprising: a video signal input interfacedevice adapted to receive a 3D video signal; one or more processingunits programmed to: convert the 3D video signal to an output videosignal that is adapted for display on a destination display device; andgenerate a shuttering signal configured to instruct a stereographicshuttering device to shutter a user's view of the output video signal; avideo signal output interface device adapted to send the output videosignal to the destination display device; a shuttering signaltransmitter device adapted to transmit the shuttering signal to thestereographic shuttering device; a decoder adapted to decode the 3Dvideo signal from a plurality of 3D formats; and an encoder adapted toencode left perspective image data and right perspective image data intoan sequence of one or more left perspective video frames that alternatewith one or more right perspective video frames.
 2. The video conversiondevice of claim 1, wherein the one or more processing units areprogrammed to convert the 3D video signal to the output video signal bygenerating a sequence of one or more first video frames that includefirst image data for viewing with a first eye alternating with one ormore second video frames that include second image data for viewing witha second eye.
 3. The video conversion device of claim 2, wherein the oneor more processing units are programmed to generate the alternating oneor more first video frames and one or more second video frames at aframe rate adapted for the destination display device.
 4. The videoconversion device of claim 3, further comprising a user input deviceadapted to receive user input for use in detecting physicalcharacteristics of the destination display device.
 5. The videoconversion device of claim 1, wherein the one or more processing unitscomprise one or more Field-Programmable Field Arrays (FPGAs).
 6. Thevideo conversion device of claim 1, wherein the one or more processingunits are programmed to generate the shuttering signal by generating atleast one shuttering instruction that instructs the stereographicshuttering device to concurrently shutter both of the user's eyes duringa display of an inter-frame transition, during which at least a portionof left perspective image data and at least a portion of rightperspective image data will be displayed concurrently at the destinationdisplay device during a display of the output video signal.
 7. The videoconversion device of claim 1, wherein the video signal input interfacedevice comprises a digital interface device, and wherein the videosignal output interface device comprises an analog interface device. 8.The video conversion device of claim 7, further comprising a digital toanalog video converter, which converts digital video content to analogvideo content.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The video conversion device of claim 1,wherein the shuttering signal transmitter device comprises an infra-red(IR) transmitter device.
 11. An accessory device that is adapted totransmit a shuttering signal to a stereographic shuttering device,enable a computing system to convert three-dimensional (3D) content froma variety of 3D formats to a output format adapted to a display device,and send the output content to the display device, comprising: aninterface device adapted to communicatively interface with a computingsystem; a shuttering signal transmission device adapted to transmit ashuttering signal to a stereographic shuttering device; and one or morecomputerized storage devices having stored thereon computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause theone or more processors to implement a method, comprising the acts of:converting a 3D video signal to a format adapted for display on adestination display device; generating the shuttering signal, whichincludes at least one shuttering instruction instructing thestereographic shuttering device to shutter at least one inter-frametransition between first eye 3D content and second eye 3D content from auser's view; and instructing the shuttering signal transmission deviceto send the shuttering signal to the stereographic shuttering device.12. The accessory device of claim 11, wherein the one or more processorsare included in the accessory device.
 13. The accessory device of claim11, wherein the one or more processors comprise one or moresoftware-programmable processors.
 14. The accessory device of claim 11,wherein the interface device comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB)interface.
 15. The accessory device of claim 11, wherein the accessorydevice is contained within a housing that is sized and configured to beheld in a user's hand.
 16. The accessory device of claim 11, wherein theshuttering signal transmission device comprises an infra-red (IR)transmission device.
 17. The accessory device of claim 11, wherein theshuttering signal transmission device comprises a Bluetooth transmissiondevice.
 18. One or more computer storage devices having stored thereoncomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or moreprocessors of a computer system, cause the computer system to implementa method of configuring the computer system to convert three-dimensional(3D) video content for a low frame-rate display device, the methodcomprising the acts of: converting an input 3D video signal to an outputvideo signal which includes an alternating sequence of one or more firstvideo frames that include a first image for viewing by a first eye andone or more second video frames that include a second image for viewingby a second eye; and generating an inter-frame shuttering signalconfigured to instruct a shuttering device to concurrently shutter boththe first eye and the second eye during a display of an inter-frametransition, during which at least a portion of the one or more firstvideo frames and at least a portion of the one or more second videoframes are displayed concurrently.
 19. The computer storage device ofclaim 18, wherein the method further comprises: determining an optimalframe rate for the low frame-rate display device; and generating ortransmitting the output video signal to the low frame-rate displaydevice at the determined optimal frame rate.
 20. The computer storagedevice of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises: transmittingthe output video signal to the low frame-rate display device; andtransmitting the inter-frame shuttering signal to the shuttering device.